The sexagenarian; or, the recollections of a literary life (Volume 2 of 2) — John Shaqi
The sexagenarian; or, the recollections of a literary life (Volume 2 of 2)Beloe, William
General
The sexagenarian; or, the recollections of a literary life (Volume 2 of 2)
Beloe, William
Authors, English; Beloe, William, 1756-1817; English literature -- Anecdotes
Bruce appears to have been seen once, and once only, by our Sexagenarian,
who nevertheless expresses, in various parts of his manuscript, a general
confidence in his veracity, and a great admiration of his prowess and
intrepidity. He lived intimately with some of Bruce’s most familiar
friends, and had frequent opportunities of ascertaining that many
assertions made by the traveller, like those of Herodotus, were confirmed
by subsequent observation and examination. But it was Bruce’s peculiar
character, that if he discerned, or ever suspected any want of confidence
in his auditors, he disdained all explanation, and could not be prevailed
upon to enter upon any further discussion.
He was a very great friend, and frequent correspondent of the individual
mentioned in the pages immediately preceding, who was able, from his
personal knowledge and local situation, to confirm many things asserted
by Bruce, which were at first, in this country, thought equivocal. On
his first return from his remote and protracted travels, he had some
questions proposed to him on the subject of the Bible in the language
of Abyssinia, by a venerable and highly distinguished member of our
Church, which he answered very satisfactorily.—He afterwards voluntarily
undertook to translate literally, a number of proposed texts from the
Pentateuch of the Abyssinian Bible, in order that they might be compared
with the English version. He did do this, but they were unfortunately
mislaid among his numerous papers. They, however, are most probably in
existence, and may hereafter appear.
A very ingenious clergyman, who was also well versed in the Oriental
languages, made a Catalogue Raisonné of Bruce’s manuscript library, which
of itself would be very acceptable to the learned world. The manuscripts,
however, it is to be hoped, will not be permitted to remain buried in
Scotland, but as they are of the greatest importance to the elucidation
of Scripture, will hereafter be deposited in some of the public libraries
of this country.
The following are some of these manuscripts:—
The Old Testament in five volumes, which do not contain the Psalms, but
have a copy of Ludolph’s Æthiopic Psalter.
This was transcribed for Mr. Bruce at Gondar, by scribes of the country,
upon vellum. The character is clear and beautiful, and there are marginal
variations. Many of the books begin and end with a prayer, and as there
was never before in Europe a perfect copy of the Æthiopic Scriptures,
means should be taken to supply the Christian Church in Africa with a
complete copy of the Bible.
The fourth volume contains the book of Enoch. There is moreover the New
Testament in Æthiopic, in two volumes, also upon vellum.
The first volume contains a preliminary discourse upon the Gospels, and a
Masoretic analysis of the verses and paragraphs.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account